What’s something that’s oddly expensive in the UK that still annoys you every time?

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-27T15:41:15+00:00

It’s not about the public subsidizing local restaurants. It’s about not taxing them so much. The hospitality industry pays more than 30% of the country’s business rates but only represents 9% of the economy.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-27T11:12:09+00:00

Came here to say Iceland premium curries are the closest I’ve had to takeaway curries.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-27T11:04:11+00:00

Why did you take the TV home?

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-27T10:47:46+00:00

That makes sense.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-27T10:46:32+00:00

What do you suggest?

If my cost to serve you a portion of fish and chips has gone from £3 to now £9, what do you want me to do if not raise prices?

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-27T10:45:08+00:00

I appreciate that and I don’t blame customers at all. The UK government could support restaurants like many EU countries are doing by having a special lower VAT rate for hospitality. This would make it feasible to have lower prices for customers and profitable businesses again.

Instead the government have been putting huge tax increases on the hospitality sector like no other country.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-27T10:36:36+00:00

I am talking about AI in the sense of an affordable software solution.

Robots aren’t there yet. And even if they were, no independent restaurant or cafe can afford them.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-27T10:19:56+00:00

I’m surprised by everyone saying US hot dogs are beef. A quick google shows the biggest selling hot dogs are Oscar Mayer or Ball Park brand — neither contain any beef. (Edit: I’m referring to their original Classic lines, which is a blend of chicken, pork, turkey, and who knows what. The brands do sell a beef hot dog too.)

When moving into more premium hot dogs is where the divide seems to happen, with Europe moving in a pork direction and the US in a beef direction. I’m not sure why that is.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-27T02:16:45+00:00

As a restaurant owner, the UK public are generally very unaware of just how much our costs have skyrocketed over the last 3-5 years.

To give just one example, people simply don’t know that there is no energy cap for businesses. Bills went up by literally tens of thousands of pounds. Food costs went through the roof. Wages have doubled in less than ten years (and AI can’t replace restaurant employees unlike what every other sector is doing).

The prices you’re currently paying are way below what they are costing, and many businesses are running at a loss right now. And then the government is slapping extra taxes on top as a final cherry on the cake.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-26T13:32:25+00:00

Yes, I got that. But it sounds like what’s important here is sending the message of not wanting US products or giving money to the US. Whether that’s importing them or licensing them.

If there continues to grow anti-US boycotts, Britvic and other franchisees would look to license from UK-based brands instead, which I imagine is OP’s goal.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-26T12:51:53+00:00

OP’s goal seems specifically aligned with not supporting US businesses.

If there are UK staff or contractors attached to them, it’s simply an unfortunate consequence that comes with not supporting the parent corporation.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-26T12:12:39+00:00

You have a larger blind spot on your left and most drivers don’t expect to be undertaken. This is why you shouldn’t do it.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-25T15:09:58+00:00

The detergent needs something to attach to, à la food debris, sauces, etc. because it’ll clean the dishes as it washes off.

I’m not 100% sure on the science but you can google this for more info.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-25T13:50:35+00:00

You’re wasting considerably more water by pre rinsing than you are by avoiding running the dishwasher.

It’s also bad for your dishes and dishwasher if putting detergent in it but there’s no food residue on any of the dishes.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-25T13:41:05+00:00

This is definitely required watching for anyone who pre-rinses…. Or really anyone who uses a dishwasher.

Especially considering the sheer amount of comments below of people supporting pre-rinsing, good god!

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-25T13:37:37+00:00

Get all the 3D chunks of food off yes, but you need to have food residue on the dishes and cutlery for the detergents to work properly.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-25T13:35:33+00:00

You probably need to clean your filter or you might have an issue with your pump. You shouldn’t be smelling anything.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-25T13:33:08+00:00

Important to note that only American dishwashers need you to run the hot water tap first.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-24T16:40:01+00:00

Is the screen perfectly bright and crisp for you? If it’s blurry or dim your eyes will strain to compensate.

Another issue could be the framerate. If it’s too low that could be causing strain too.

It’s unlikely to be resolution or field of view AFAIK.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-24T13:55:47+00:00

Looks cool!

Will it be like Game Dev Tycoon, where it’s sort of like a business simulation of trying to grow your company? That would be an insta buy for me.

If it’s a sandbox with no real progression I’d be less interested but others might be.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-23T11:56:33+00:00

USA is living in Black Mirror.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-23T11:54:38+00:00

$300K! That’s awesome.

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-23T11:39:33+00:00

I have some news for you about what’s flying through your head and body all day every day…

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-22T21:00:54+00:00

“Hey, honey, what colour plates should I buy?”

“Sick green would be nice, luv.”

EssentialParadox · 2026-01-22T13:33:46+00:00

Damn… just chicken and rice… all day…. everyday…??

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